Aim: To ensure electrification of all the un-electrified villages by 2017 in mission mode Answer in comments.>
The Scheme draws its inspiration from the similar pioneering scheme implemented by the Government of Gujarat
It will enable to initiate much awaited reforms in the rural areas
It focuses on feeder separation (rural households & agricultural) and strengthening of sub-transmission & distribution infrastructure including metering at all levels in rural areas Answer in comments.>
The scheme will replace the existing Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY)
Scheme has an outlay of Rs 76000 Cr for implementation
Why DDUGJY?
The rural agricultural and non-agricultural consumers of the country are generally serviced through the local distribution network which is unreliable
Many rural areas of the country face insufficient electricity supply, consequently the distribution utilities are forced to resort to load shedding
This affects the power supply to both agricultural and non-agricultural consumers
The demand of power in rural areas is increasing day by day due to changing consumer base, improving living standards for which augmentation of rural infrastructure needs to be regularly undertaken
To improve the commercial viability of power distribution, there is need for metering of all categories of the consumers
Objectives:
To provide electrification to all villages
Feeder separation to ensure sufficient power to farmers and regular supply to other consumers
Improvement of Sub-transmission and distribution network to improve the quality and reliability of the supply
Metering to reduce the losses
Benefits:
All villages and households shall be electrified
Increase in agriculture yield
Business of Small and household enterprises shall grow resulting into new avenues for employment
Improvement in Health, Education, Banking (ATM) services
Improvement in accessibility to radio, telephone, television, internet and mobile etc
Betterment in social security due to availability of electricity
Accessibility of electricity to schools, panchayats, hospitals and police stations etc
Rural areas shall get increased opportunities for comprehensive development
Key enabler in Digital India programme
Progress:
Govt has achieved its annual target of electrifying 7000 villages during this (2015-16) fiscal year under DDUGJY (according to recently published data) Answer in comments>
However, these figures have been contested and critcised for being unrealistic
An analysis by The Hindu- The govt has electrified 20% of the villages that were without power at the start of this financial year (2015-16)
The National Green Tribunal recently issued notices to the Union health, environment and water resources ministries seeking their comments on what has been done to identify and curb the growing threat of ‘microbeads’.
Apart from being used in several personal care products, research studies showed presence of plastic microbeads in table salt also, which is one of the most basic ingredients used in cooking. It was also observed that the microbeads found in toothpaste can get stuck in our gums and lead to cancer. So let us have a closer look at ‘microbeads’ which are otherwise invisible to the naked eye.
# What are ‘Microbeads’ / ‘ Microplastics’ ?
Microbeads are plastic microspheres that are widely used in cosmetics as exfoliating agents and in personal care products such as toothpaste, as well as in biomedical and health science research. According to the UNEP, microplastics are the most harmful pollutants currently choking the oceans.
source: The hindu
# What is all the fuss about these ‘beads’ ?
These microbeads flow straight from the bathroom drain into the sewer system. Wastewater treatment plants are not designed to filter out microbeads and that is the main reason why, ultimately, they contribute to the Plastic Soup swirling around the world’s oceans. Sea creatures absorb or eat microbeads. These microbeads are passed along the marine food chain. Since humans are ultimately at the top of this food chain, it is likely that we are also absorbing microbeads from the food we eat. Microbeads are not biodegradable and once they enter the marine environment, they are impossible to remove.
# What is the environmental fallout?
Microplastics have been found on almost every beach worldwide, on polar icecaps and just about everywhere in the oceans. Apart from creating ‘plastic islands’ in the oceans, when plastics break down, more toxic substances which are harmful to humans and which cause hormonal imbalances or neurological diseases are released.
Substantial quantities of microplastics in the ocean sink to the bottom. The amount of plastic on the ocean floor is 1000 times greater than the amount floating on the surface
(Source: betthemicrobead.org)
#Test Yourself
# There is some concern regarding the use of microplastics in certain personal care products. Why?
They may accumulate in the marine environment and release toxic substances.
They may enter the food chain.
They may cause diseases like cancer.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
These are 14 island countries in Pacific Ocean – Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu
Source: Wikipedia
These countries range in land area from the largest Papua New Guinea (461,700 sq km) to the smallest Nauru (21 sq km)
The size of their population ranges from Papua New Guinea (7.7 million) to Niue (1,500)
Development indicators also vary widely with per capita income ranging from USD 27,340 (Cook Islands) to USD 1020 (Papua New Guinea)
Why study about PINs?
On August 21, 2015 India hosted the second edition of Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) summit in Jaipur
All the 14 nations of the group participated in the summit
So obviously, this becomes an important topic for exam and you cannot ignore this as an unimportant grouping
Importance of the Pacific area:
Though these countries are relatively small in land area and distant from India, many have large exclusive economic zones (EEZs), and offer promising possibilities for fruitful cooperation
The Pacific Ocean is the earth’s largest ocean covering 46% of water surface and 33% of the earth’s total surface, making it larger than the entire earth’s land area
It is bounded by 41 sovereign states plus Taiwan, and 22 non-independent territories
It is rich in marine resources and accounts for 71% of the world’s ocean fishery catch
The Pacific has for long been an area of geostrategic interest for countries such as the US, Japan, China, Russia, Australia, and Indonesia – large economies which lie on its boundary
Two developed Pacific Island countries – Australia and New Zealand – have tended to dominate regional cooperation forums such as the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)
Issues with PINs:
They are dispersed and low populated countries
They have logistics problems to develop their economies
Less manufacturing activity
With climate change and global warming, these countries fear of being drowned or disappeared
Their natural resources are being depleted day-by-day – sugar, timber etc.
India used to import phosphates from the Nauru Island, which is now being depleted
Problems in sugar market due to global vagaries
External influences:
#1. Australia: These countries are highly influenced by Australia due to its close proximity – for example, Australia helping the development of natural gas of Papua New Guinea etc.
#2. China
China has significantly expanded its foothold in the region, from increasing business and trade ties to setting up diplomatic missions in each of these countries
More than 3,000 Chinese companies are already operating in these Island groups in various businesses.
China is now the largest bilateral donor in Fiji and the second largest in the Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Tonga
Last year, China provided around $2 billion credit to these nations collectively
6 out of 14 Pacific Islands recognize Taiwan as a legitimate govt of China
Taiwan is already holding annual meet with these countries to engage them
#3. These island groups are forming partnerships with EU and other economic groupings
Where can India engage?
#1. UNSC: These 14 nations are supporting India’s attempts to become permanent member of UNSC
#2. Agriculture:
These are agriculture oriented economies
Major products- palm oil, sugar, and timber
We can do value addition to their products- copra, sugar, timber
They are diversifying in oil production and we are short on edible oil so this is a major area to work on
India can make use of the mahogany (timber) that is extensively grown in these islands, for getting raw materials for paper industry
#3. Minerals:
These islands have plenty of oil, gas, and minerals in their sea beds
For example, the Kiribati islands, they are spread over an area that is bigger than the Indian subcontinent and have rich sources of minerals
India can form joint ventures and explore these minerals
#4. Disaster Management: These islands are frequently affected by natural disasters like typhoons, earthquakes etc. India can help them in disaster management
#5. Services sector:
The other biggest potential area which India can leverage from these islands is the development of services sector – IT, tourism, healthcare and fisheries
We can explore tourism options to these isolated beautiful spots
Tourism also has an advantage from the fact that there are large number of ethnic Indians in these islands
Many of these countries send their nationals to India for education though programmes sponsored by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations
#6. Energy:
India is developing renewable energy and has set a target of 175 GW by 2022. It can help the Pacific Islands in this area and provide energy security
We can transplant our experience of A&N islands in establishing isolated energy grids in these countries
There has been lot of tree cutting for industrialisation and they are using more diesel for power. We can help them by providing assistance in renewable energy
#7. Democracy:
In the past, these pacific islands have faced a threat to democracy
For example- there was a coup in Fiji which overthrew the democratically elected government, there was a civil war in Papua New Guinea
In this context, India can serve as a stable and solid partner, as it is one of the largest democracies in the world, so that these islands can have an assured trade and investment relations.
#8. Ethnicity:
Unlike other proximate countries like Australia, India has intimate relations, going beyond exploration of natural resources, with these nations
Culturally they are linked to India. For example, Fiji has huge number of Indian ethnic population
We should leverage this advantage to engage & establish more intimate relations
#9. Climate Change: India should fight for their cause in the coming UN Climate Change meetings & should see to it that these islands get enough finances for disaster mitigation
#10. The Pacific Island groups have enthusiastically welcomed India’s offer in telemedicine, tele-education, space cooperation, fostering democracy and community activities
#11. These countries are in need of MSME and we have good experience in developing them
FIPIC:
The Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) was launched during PM’s visit to Fiji in November 2014
Source: Wikipedia
FIPIC includes 14 of the island countries – Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu
Why FIPIC?
Though these countries are relatively small in land area and distant from India, many have large exclusive economic zones (EEZs), and offer promising possibilities for fruitful cooperation.
India’s focus has largely been on the Indian Ocean where it has sought to play a major role and protect its strategic and commercial interests
The FIPIC initiative marks a serious effort to expand India’s engagement in the Pacific region
At this moment, total annual trade of about $300 million between the Indian and Pacific Island countries, where exports are around $200 million and imports are around $100 million
This is a part of India’s extended Act East Policy
Summits:
#1. Suva, Fiji:
One of the key outcome of the first summit in Suva, Fiji was that top leadership of both India and Pacific Islands decided to meet at a regular interval and an annual summit was instituted in this regard
Other areas- visa on arrival for their nationals, funds for small business, line of credit for a co-generation power plant for Fiji, and a special adaptation fund for technical assistance and capacity building for countering global warming
#2. Jaipur, India:
Source: Economic Times
India announced to convene international conference on blue economy in New Delhi in 2016 and invited all the experts form the island nations
Set up Space Application Center, in partnership with ISRO, in any of the 14 countries and friendly port calls by the Indian Navy
Pacific leaders have expressed their concerns over climate change and its effect on their respective counties. India also assured them to voice their concerns and appropriate measures at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21) in Paris
In return all the 14 visiting head of state/government reiterated their support to India’s bid for a permanent memberships at the reformed United Nations Security Council
India offered to help the Pacific Islands with their hydrography and coastal surveillance, by engaging the Indian Navy. It would help them have a better understanding of their maritime zone and strengthen security of their EEZs
India also announced FIPIC Trade Office at Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) to promote Trade & Investment opportunities between India & Pacific Island Countries
Way ahead:
China is already on there and giving large credit, so does it mean India can not build good relations with these nations? No
We need to build on our advantages- health tourism, building democratic institutions which they need a lot
India’s strong relations with Fiji, which has considerable influence in the region, is a strong point which could help counter the growing Chinese influence
Relations with Fiji had improved in India’s favour in the past decade and not only those of Indian origin but also Fijians were friendly towards Indians, which worked to Indian advantage
Most of the economies in the region are based on agriculture, fisheries and small-scale industries and India’s capacity in these sectors is even better than Europe and China
Attacks by ISIS on airport and metro station came close on the heels of massacre in Paris (nov 2016). Also, they came 4 days after lone surviving mastermind of Paris attacks was apprehended by Police. It clearly shows that ISIS is demonstrating that it is capable of striking at will.
But why Brussels?
Symbolism- Brussels is headquarters of NATO as well as European Union.
Divided nation– Belgium is divided b/w French (Walloon actually) and Dutch (Flemish actually) speaking population. In almost all walks of public life there’s compromise. Flemish don’t/ can’t vote for Walloon candidates, so accountability is not to the whole populace but to the linguistic community
Weak institutions – Divided accountability results in weak institutions, intelligence sharing is particularly poor.
Marginalized Muslim population– about 7% of Belgian population is Muslim, most of which lives in ghettos, breading discontent. <You can say that, this is the most imp cause and should have been the first point but many commentators have begun to argue that poverty is not the main cause of terrorism>
In per capita terms, Belgium has supplied most foreign fighters to ISIS.
So why is ISIS striking western capitals?
Russian and American airstrikes have shrunk ISIS territory in Iraq and Syria. By striking they are taking battle to European heartland.
They get media coverage, shows them winning, helps attract more recruits
Terrorism is to spread terror and this helps spread terror and panic.
It also leads to further polarization of society, backlash against ordinary Muslims, helps their propaganda that Muslims all over the world are being persecuted, helps in recruitment.
But why are so many foreign fighters joining ISIS?
Around 5000 foreign fighters (500 of them from Belgium) have left comfort of their homes and traveled 1000s of mile to join marauding army of ISIS in the hope of achieving salvation.
Std response of jhola chaap JNU wallahs– high poverty, unemployment rate among Muslims. Lack of integration, Ghettoisation, marginalization of whole community which breeds discontent leading to them joining terrorist organizations. <read this Praveen Swami oped to know why Jholachaaps are wrong>
Sleek propaganda / psych war by ISIS– by selectively quoting verses from Quran and Hadith, they make faithfuls belief that it was the right course of action which would take them to Jannat. That is what God ordered.
Seduction of violence for a higher cause– violence leading to spiritual redemption
But didn’t president Obama vow to defeat and ultimately degrade ISIS? What needs to be done now?
You all know what happened to Obama’s red lines on chemical weapons use in Syria. Don’t take him seriously (just kidding).
USA and Russia did launch airstrikes and it has resulted in containment and shrinkage of ISIS territory in middle east but problem is made worse by the raging civil war in Syria and sectarian strife in wider middle east in which Russia and USA are on the opposite sides of the spectrum. While USA along with sunni Arab monarchs and Turkey wants regime change in Syria, Russia is on the side of regime in Syria. No coordinated strategy against ISIS is possible in this context resulting in ISIS being still able to recruit more and more foreign fighters.
What needs to be done-
Recognize ISIS as the major and primary threat and converge on the strategy to defeat ISIS. Gradual transition of power in Syria <unlikely to be done, Saudis and Turkey won’t agree though Syrian peace process presents an opportunity>.
Problem has to be tackled at the source i.e Syria and here support of Syrian army and govt would be necessary <again Syrian peace process assumes importance>
For launching Jihad by Khalifa <which Abu Baghdadi claims himself to be>, territory is required,. If ISIS is defeated from Syria, in strict theocratic sense, there can’t be any Khilafat, attraction of ISIS which increase after the declaration of Khaliphate will come down.
Counter radicalisation/ deradicalisation strategy- This war is war of ideas. It can’t be won with bombs and bullets. We will have to present a counter narrative which is equally exciting, equally sleek and is drawn from same religious scriptures.
In this counter narrative, role of Muslim clergy becomes important. They will have to drive home the moderate interpretation of Quran everyday, not just when a terrorist attack occurs. <Listen to Tahir Ul Qadri’s speech at Sufi conference>
And yes it goes without saying-better jobs, better education, better integration and no backlash when such attacks happen <terrorists want to polarise the society>
India has just taken the right step by organizing the World SufiConference which highlighted moderate and liberal aspect of Muslim tradition. PM showered praise on Sufism and spoke about how it has contributed to a spirit of peace and harmony.
2. Russian troop withdrawal from Syria
Putin announced this on 14th march <not exactly this week but RSTV discussion occurred on Sunday>. So what’s going on in Putin’s mind?What does it mean for regime in Syria and Syrian peace talks?
Russian intervention has changed the balance of power in Syria. Regime which was losing territory when Russia moved in has now regained control.
By withdrawing it’s troops Russia is also sending Assad signals to engage in peace talks.
Putin has also once again brought Russia as a major player in international politics which western countries did not accept after fall of Soviet Union.
Make no mistake, Russia has kept all it’s naval presence in Mediterranean, air force is still operating from Latakia airbase to preclude any chances of West declaring unilateral no fly zone over Syria.
You all know, this conflict has a sectarian shia-sunni dimension. So question for you- Name Shia majority countries of this world. Answer in comments.
Dispute has been going on for quite some time. Basically to promote clean energy and manufacturing in India, GOI decided to buy powers from solar power generators (of course at better terms) but with the condition that they have to source (buy) solar cell and solar modules from Indian vendors i.e there was domestic content requirement (DCR). Uncle Sam (USA) did not like this , not one bit and complained in WTO.
USA’s arguments – which were ultimately accepted by WTO dispute settlement body-
DCR violates Trade related Investment measures (TRIMs) provisions
DCR violates national treatment clause<once a product has entered a country, it will be treated the same as domestic product regardless of where it comes from>, non discrimination clause
That it has resulted in injury to US manufactures <exports to India went down by 90%)
India’s response – rejected by WTO
It’s for govt procurement which is outside the scope of WTO agreements – rebuttal– govt was procuring electricity not solar modules, solar cells on which there was DCR
General exception clause-necessary to secure compliance with its domestic and international law obligations relating to ecologically sustainable development and climate change. rebuttal- 1st there is no such obligation, 2nd, you can secure such compliance with imported solar modules
Only 5% of total power requirement was under this rule
Now India has decided to appeal against the verdict of dispute settlement body.
Let’s understand in brief how WTO dispute settlement works
You don’t like what other country is doing, raise a complaint with WTO
1st step is mediation, talk with the other country, see if problem can be resolved
No resolution, a dispute settlement panel is formed, hears both parties, gives it’s verdicts
Not satisfied with it’s orders, appeal with the appellate body, decision is final
What if country doesn’t comply with the orders? well there’s very little that WTO can do. Other country is free to take retaliatory measures.
Talks of promoting clean energy <100k MW solar>, sustainable development in this question is pure BS. You agree to play by rules, so play by rules. If you don’t like them in the light of changed circumstances, negotiate and change the rules. <btw, can you tell us the break up of india’s clean energy target, how much grid connected solar, off grid, roof top, wind, bio-fuel etc? Answer in comments.>
This bill which has now become an act basically tries to do a few things-
Establish a real estate authority and tribunal
Developers, brokers and projects all three have to register with the authority
Transparency – disclosing all the details of the project like carpet ares etc and no change w/o buyer’s permission (2/3rd)
Escrow account- 70% funds locked in to prevent diversion
Penalty for delays
So far so good but what this act doesn’t do is that it does not impose time limits for clearances, no single window clearance. It would only result in more babugiri, more corruption and ultimately project cost will increase.
Root of the problem is over-regulation. Although land and real estate are bought and sold all the time, India doesn’t have a functioning market for land and real estate. The high prices in real estate are a reflection of an artificial scarcity caused by over-regulation, as well as bad regulations, by multiple agencies. The builder-babu-politician nexus is a corollary of this distorted environment.
Another issue is that it’s a concurrent list subject and many states which already have their acts will drag their feet.
5. Nepal PM’s special mission to China and signing of Transit agreement
That Nepal-India ties are going through a very difficult phase after the promulgation of constitution and Madheshi blockade (which Nepal termed as blockade by India) is no secret. Anti-India sentiments have reached feverish pitch in Nepal <Nepali nationalism is built on Anti-Indianism>.
To put the relations on an even keel Nepal PM visited India ahead of China but significant differences remain, especially on the question of Madhesi rights in Nepal and was reflected in the inability of the two sides to issue a joint statement at the end of Oli’s visit last month.
Now Nepal has signed following deals with China
landmark transit agreement that will allow Nepal to use Chinese ports to import goods from third countries
assist Nepal in the exploration of hydrocarbon resources and expand the use of solar energy
agreements on building of multiple train routes connecting Nepal with China’s key production centres is also in the pipeline (not signed yet)
Should India be worried?
India would not worry good neighborly relations b/w Nepal and China. After all, even India is courting Chinese investments. But if it impinge on our security interests India will be worried.#
As far as trade and transit is concerned, 98 per cent of Nepal’s third country trade goes through India and to the port of Kolkata,
India at present has two rail lines under construction and three more are being planned to increase Nepal’s trade ties.
India agreed on giving dedicated access to Nepal to the port of Vizag.
Delhi’s problem then is less about coping with China’s grand strategy (one belt one roda, ending India’s influence in south Asia) than overcoming the entrenched distrust of India in Kathmandu and bringing greater purpose to economic engagement with Nepal.
Let me summarise him for those of you who don’t like his ranting
Not a money bill– to arbitrarily declare something a money bill is to subvert the spirit of the Constitution. This bill will set a horrendous precedent for ways of bypassing the Rajya Sabha. The solution to legislative logjam cannot be subversion of the representative scheme bequeathed to us.
On privacy- The national security exceptions in the bill are too broad. It negates all protections the bill seemingly provides
Even if you want to keep national security exception, this can not be left entirely to the bureaucracy and executive when they themselves will not be under any system of accountability
Aadhaar will give the ability to link different databases biometrically. To protect privacy, each such database will need additional locks. Linking databases should need consent from multiple key-holders subject to legislative oversight and judicial redress. It would require overarching privacy legislation.
Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (MoWR RD & GR)
Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) of Department of Land Resources (DoLR)
On Farm Water Management (OFWM) of Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC)
Ministries involved:
Ministry of Rural Development- Mainly undertake rain water conservation, construction of farm pond, water harvesting structures, small check dams and contour bunding etc.
MoWR RD & GR- Undertake various measures for creation of assured irrigation source, construction of diversion canals, field channels, water diversion/lift irrigation, including development of water distribution systems
Ministry of Agriculture- Promote efficient water conveyance and precision water application devices like drips, sprinklers, pivots, rain-guns in the farm “(Jal Sinchan)”, construction of micro-irrigation structures to supplement source creation activities, extension activities for promotion of scientific moisture conservation and agronomic measures
Objectives:
Achieve convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level
Har Khet ko pani- Expand cultivable area under assured irrigation
More crop per drop- Improve on-farm water use efficiency to reduce wastage of water & enhance the adoption of precision-irrigation and other water saving technologies
Enhance recharge of aquifers and introduce sustainable water conservation practices by exploring the feasibility of reusing treated municipal based water for peri-urban agriculture
Attract greater private investment in precision irrigation system.
Features:
#1. Financial outlay- Rs. 50,000 crore over a period of five years (2015-16 to 2019-20)
#2. Bringing under a common platform- all the concerned Agencies engaged in creation/ use/ recycling/ potential recycling of water
This will ensure that a comprehensive and holistic view of the entire “water cycle” is taken into account and proper water budgeting is done for all sectors namely, household, agriculture and industries
#3. Decentralized State level planning and execution structure
This will allow states to draw up a District Irrigation Plan (DIP) and a State Irrigation Plan (SIP)
DIP will have holistic developmental perspective of the district, outlining medium to long term developmental plans
DIP will integrate three components namely, water sources, distribution network and water use application
These will be prepared at two levels- the block and the district
#4. Geotagging- All structures created under the schemes will be geotagged
Implementing Committees:
#1. National Steering Committee (NSC):
It will supervise and monitor the programme at the national level
This is an Inter-Ministerial committee under the Chairmanship of the Prime
Minister with Union Ministers of all concerned Ministries
#2. National Executive Committee (NEC):
It will oversee programme implementation, allocation of resources, inter-ministerial coordination, monitoring and performance assessment, addressing administrative issues etc.
To be constituted under the Chairmanship of the Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog
#3. State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC):
It will administer the scheme at the state level
It will be Chaired by the Chief Secretary of the respective States
It will have all authority to sanction the project and also monitor the progress of the scheme
#4. District Level Implementation Committee: At the district level; for ensuring last mile coordination at the field level
Now it’s time to solve some IAS prelims questions
Consider the following statements: (IAS 2015)1. The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme was launched during 1996-97 to provide loan assistance to poor farmers. 2. The Command Area Development Programme was launched in 1974-75 for the development of water-use efficiency. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
consider following pairs:
Programme/ Project
Ministry
1. Drought-Prone Area Programme
of Agriculture
2. Desert Development Programme
of Environment and Forests
3. National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas
of Rural Development
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched? (IAS 2014)
1 and 2 only
3 only
1, 2 and 3
None
What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’? (IAS 2014)
Prevention of soil runoff
Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers
Rainwater harvesting and recharge of ground water table
Regeneration of natural vegetation
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
1 and 2 only
2, 3 and 4 only
1, 3 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
With reference to micro-irrigation, which of the following statements is/are correct? (IAS 2011)
Fertilizer/nutrient loss can be reduced
It is the only means of irrigation in dry land farming.
In some areas of farming, receding of ground water table can be checked.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a.) 1 only (b.) 2 and 3 only (c.) 1 and 3 only (d.) 1, 2 and 3
The budget 2015-16 had announced 3 Social Security Schemes:
#1. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha BimaYojna (PMSBY)
#2. Pradhan MantriJeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
#3. Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
Why the schemes?
India faces the biggest challenge of providing banking facilities and insurance coverage to all
Having access to institutional finance has so far remained a far cry to a vast chunk of rural population
As of May 2015, only 20% of India’s population has any kind of insurance and only 11% has any kind of pension scheme
Insurance is a way of managing risks & give necessary protections in case of financial loss
When one has an insurance policy, certain rights and protections are derived out of it to the person and his family
There is a dire need for providing social security at a very nominal cost to the millions and economic empowerment of the poor <what is social security? Why is it lacking in our country? Answer in comments.>
PMJDY is a major step to bring people across the country closer to institutionalized finance, and save them from the clutches of informal financiers
However, most of the PMJDY accounts had zero balance initially. The government aims to reduce the number of such zero balance accounts by using these schemes <what is the proportion of zero balance account now? Answer in comments.>
PMSBY & PMJJBY:
Implementation: The scheme will be offered by all Public Sector General Insurance Companies and all other insurers who are willing to join the scheme and tie-up with banks for this purpose
Govt Contribution: Various Ministries can co-contribute premium for various categories of their beneficiaries from their budget or from Public Welfare Fund created in this budget from unclaimed money
Auto-debit: The premium amount will be auto debited from subscriber’s bank account
The schemes will be linked to the bank accounts opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana scheme
Criticisms of PMSBY:
Private banks have complained that the Govt should focus on upper middle class instead of the poorer section
Western scholars have argued that financial inclusion is a myth and serving such large number of people would only increase the burden and work-load of public sector
Criticisms of PMJJBY:
The banks have complained that revenue received will be very low
Some bankers have claimed that amount they are receiving is not sufficient to cover the service costs
Insurers have also pointed out that no health certificate or information of pre-existing disease is required for joining
Atal Pension Yojana
It focuses on the unorganized sector where nearly 400 million employees representing more than 80% of all employees are engaged <what is unorganized sector? differentiate b/w informal and unorganized? Answer in comments.>
The aim is to make sure that needy people could get fixed amount when they get old
It is the improved version of Swavalamban scheme, launched in 2010-11, which has been found lacking in clarity with regard to pension benefits at the age after 60
Features:
All citizen of India aged between 18-40 years are eligible
A guaranteed minimum monthly pension will be provided to the subscribers varying from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 5000 per month
The pension amount depends on contribution by subscriber
Government of India will guarantee the minimum benefit of pension
Most interesting part of the scheme is that the government will contribute 50% of the contribution made by the subscriber or Rs. 1000 whichever is lower
However, contribution by the govt is available for only those who are not income tax payers and are not covered by any Statutory Social Security Schemes
Bank account holder of Any Bank account is eligible
Suraksha Bandhan drive- Spreading the social security message
Aim: To take forward the Govt’s objective of creating a universal social security system in the country, targeted especially at the poor and the under-privileged
Participating Banks supported by the participating Insurance Companies are carrying out local outreach, awareness building and enrolment facilitation under the drive
Public service organizations supported by peoples representatives are participating in these efforts through various outreach activities such as enrolment drives, camps etc. in large numbers during this period
Hi guys,
We start this initiative as a part of Prelims Geography locations,
Our basic task is to find locations which may come in news or may part of any special activity/significant relevance around world –
For instance,
Kuril islands – In the news, for dispute between Japan and Russia
Falkland island – Argentina seeks support of Saudis for this british territory
Rohingya island – Refugees of a distinct Muslim ethnic group who are effectively stateless have been fleeing Myanmar.
Houthis – Shia rebels from north Yemen (Shia(Iran support) vs Sunni(Saudi support) conflict in Yemen – so, India’s Rahat operation) so, was in news.
Spartly islands -Territorial dispute between Brunei, China,Malaysia,the Philippines,Taiwan, and Vietnam.(Mostly Chinese dominant claim)
Taro Island (in Solomon sea) – located nearby to the northeast part Australia
(Planning to migration bcoz of rising seas/Global warming).
Same other island nations planning for migration, same reason- Kiribati island, Marshall islands,Solomon island.
In 2015 Prelims – UPSC have asked about landlocked country [Jordan] so, think of such locations, as it will come in news.
So, our intent is to have all good locations which will come for UPSC Prelims and Optional Geography paper.
Muziris port heritage project launched – so its location and history?
Let’s together Find and share all important places.
Come and have fun in Geographic locations find outs !!
As of July 2015, India has been accorded full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) along with Pakistan at its Ufa summit held in Russia.
SCO is a Eurasian economic, political and military organisation
HQ: Beijing, China
Established: 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders 6 countries viz. China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan
Since 2005, India was having an Observer status of SCO and had applied for full membership in 2014. India would be finally ratified in the member list by 2016
Connecting the dots with SCO
Per Chinese and Russian scholars, creation of SCO helped address the security problems and enhance economic cooperation in the Central Asia region. The Western discourse, however, has tended to see the SCO as a mechanism to counter-balance the influence of the United States in the region. Both are correct!
SCO is considered and tagged as anti-west. Behind the veils, it is alleged that SCO is going to be a NATO like military alliance in East. You might expect a question on that line and be asked to put India’s context in place.
However, China exaggeratedly says that the SCO was founded on a principle of non-alignment and functions as an effective stabilizer for regional security and peace. China has always maintained that the focus of SCO is on combating the “three evil forces” – terrorism, separatism, and extremism – and other unconventional security menaces.
Advantage India?
There are multiple benefits for India as well as the SCO which is concerned with security and stability in the Eurasian space.
India’s presence will help moderate the anti-West bias of the grouping, which will calm Washington’s nerves to a considerable extent
Greater engagement with India will also aid the organisation’s capability to improve regional economic prosperity and security
Membership will give India an opportunity to play an active role in China’s Silk Road initiative which plans to link a new set of routes from the north and east of the country to an old network of routes in the greater Eurasian region.
Indian interest in International North-South Transport Corridor to connect Mumbai with Abbas port in Iran. This route is shorter than the existing Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea
SCO may also serve as guarantor for projects such as the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) and Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) pipelines, which are held by India due to security concerns.
India’s entry is also likely to tip the balance of power in favor of peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Challenges ahead for SCO?
It is naive to expect that India’s differences with China regarding the border or its ties with Pakistan will magically disappear. The inclusion of Pakistan in the SCO will also make it difficult for India to enjoy a level playing field.
Pakistan, which is embroiled in a domestic political crisis, may not be so willing to challenge hardliners in its country, and go along with India in promoting peace and stability in the Eurasian space. We have seen how Indo-Pak presence in SAARC makes it difficult to ink key pacts.
The clash of interests in a post – 2014 Afghanistan makes prospects of cooperation difficult. There is also a possibility that China may collude with Pakistan to suffocate India’s voice in the decision making process.
Other than that, India will have to balance the geopolitical ambitions of China and Russia to evolve a mutually beneficial framework.
Further readings:
SCO becomes a reasonably hot topic post India’s accession to the member status. If you are comfortable with IR, try these articles –
Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) have been proliferating, especially since the establishment of WTO and about 619 PTAs have been signed so far of which 413 are already in force <there are only 185 sovereign states according to UN>.
India has long-standing commitment to multilateralism under WTO agreements but in line with global trends, India has made use of FTAs as a key component of its trade and foreign policy. If WTO is going nowhere, we can’t just sit and expect WTO negotiation to conclude, we also have to sign FTA or we will be left behind
So far, India has mainly focused on partnering with other Asian countries, and in goods more so than in services <with SL, Afghanistan, Thailand, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Korea, Malaysia and Japan and regional trade agreements SAFTA and ASEAN>
Outside Asia, We have signed FTAs with Chile and MERCOSUR <What is MERCOSUR, answer in comments>
But not all FTAs are same and depth of integration offered by different FTAs in different sectors are different. For instance, the India-Korea CEPA contains chapters on Origin Procedures, Telecommunication and Audio-Visual Co-production, but these are not included in the India-Japan CEPA. There are provisions in India-Japan CEPA not included in Indo-Korea CEPA <this all creates complications as number of FTAs increase and they all have different rules, regulations and procedures> <What are rules of origin? answer in the comments below>
Concept of spaghetti-bowl effect / Noodle bowl effect
Source-Worldbank blogs
Concept was propounded by world’s foremost trade economist Prof Jagdish Bhagwati is analogy between the tangling of spaghetti or noodle in a bowl with the tangling of different FTAs, He argues that so many FTAs with their differential tariff rates, rules, procedures muddy water so much that leads to discriminatory trade policy and results in often contradictory outcomes amongst bilateral and multilateral trade partners.
Let’s understand this with an example- Suppose rule of origin rule in TPP implies that Vietnam can only export textile which is made from Vietnami Yarn. Now Vietnam has an FTA with say B’desh or India and Yarn is covered under it. Indian yarn is cheaper yet Vietnam will not buy it because textile manufactured from it will not be covered under TPP. Multiply it across more than 400 FTAs and you can understand how complex it can get and more complex it gets, advantage developed and bigger countries.
Small countries don’t have resources to investigate whether US is actually following rules of origin for it’s exports. At much bigger level, it would look like this
Source-werewolf.co.nz
It’s safe to say that developing countries like India should invest their energy in successful negotiation of WTO rounds as they can negotiate them better collectively, outcomes are not very complex thus beneficial to less resourceful. But as we can not wait for that to happen indefinitely we should also sign FTAs which would be beneficial to us.
Mega-Regionalism
Until recently FTAs were signed mainly bilaterally and regionally <india-Bhutan, ASEAN ka SAFTA, North America ka NAFTA, Europe ka EU> but of late PTAs have begun to morph into mega-regional agreements, which would encompass a large share of world GDP and trade. Consider for instance:
TPP- 40% of Global GDP and 33% of trade (already sgined)
TTIP- 50% of GDP and 30% of merchandise trade, 40% trade in services (negotiations continuing) <TTIP is trans atlantic trade and investment partnership b.w EU and USA>
India is not a member of either of these two grouping but is negotiating it’s own mega regional- RCEP (regional comprehensive economic partnership) which is not as ambitious in scope as the other two agreements.
With the signing of TPP and TPIP, India will have access to these markets at higher costs <member countries will get preferential treatment; resulting in some negative impact on Indian exports and thus our GDP growth. Different studies suggest negative impact on India’s GDP from -0.1% to -.2%.
TPP/ RECP is very, very important topic for prelims/ mains/ interview. For prelims, name of countries in TPP, in RCEP, in ASEAN, in all 3 grouping, in only 2 groupings etc is very important. Look at the figure below, it will help you remember the names well
Source-asaifoundation.org
Other way to remember the names is continent wise
4 ASEAN members- Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei ,Vietnam
7 RCEP members- 4 ASEAN above + Australia, New Zealand, Japan
5 American countries Canada, Mexico, United States, Chile, Peru (3 from North and central America + 2 from South America)
Please note that China and Korea are not part of TPP
Over the years, India has signed many FTAs, have they benefited us? As number of FTAs and mega regional pacts are proliferating, should we sign more FTAs?
Any FTA will lead to increase in trade as tariff and non tariff barriers come down but if it leads to much higher imports than exports and thus negative trade balance, impact can be considered as negative.
Concept of trade creation v/s trade diversion
Another aspect of FTAS which like Spaghetti bowl effect is a criticism of FTAS wrt WTO- whether actually trade is being created or is it merely shifting to inefficient firms?
Trade creation -In WTO, a country reduces tariff for every other country in this world and because of this tariff decrease, outside firms can compete with domestic producers and trade increases leading to trade creation.
Trade diversion– occurs when tariff preferences offered under an FTA causes a shift of imports from firms in non FTA member countries to less efficient firms within the trade bloc, which now become competitive due to tariff reliefs.
Let’s understand this with an example-
Suppose country B is imports mangoes from country C and D, Until now, it imposed 20% tariff on both, thus major market share is captured by country D which is more efficient but now, B and C sign an FTA and now mangoes from C are imported at zero tariff. Consider this
Country
cost of production
Tariff rate
Actual landed cost before FTA
Landed cost after FTA with C
C
110
20%
132
110
D
100
20%
120
120
Now C has become more competitive and trade will get diverted from D to C, that’s another side effect of FTAs.
Source-slideshare
Impact of FTAs on India’s trade
The overall effect on trade of FTA is positive and statistically significant
With ASEAN, trade has resulted in more imports than exports, this widening our trade deficit
Impact of FTAs on different industry segments fall differently <it’s only to be expected>
Conclusion
FTAs have increased trade with FTA countries more than would have happened otherwise.
Increased trade has been more on the import than export side, most likely because India maintains relatively high tariffs and hence had larger tariff reductions than its FTA partners
The trade increases have been much greater with the ASEAN than other FTA.
What should be India’s stance towards FTAs and mega regional trade agreements?
Multilateral trade liberalisation remains the best way forward
But the WTO process seems to have been overtaken by preferential trade agreements
Against this background, India has a strategic choice to make: to play the same PTA game as everyone else or be excluded from this process
In the current context of slowing demand and excess capacity with threats of circumvention of trade rules, progress on FTAs, if pursued, must be combined with strengthening India’s ability to respond with WTO-consistent measures such as anti-dumping and conventional duties and safeguard measures.
Multiplicity of labour laws and the difficulty in their compliance has always been cited as an impediment to the industrial development
The World Bank annual report for year 2014 on Indian Labour Laws- The Indian states with flexible labour laws and easier compliance mechanism have fared better in terms of Industrial development than those where labour laws are rigid and the compliance is difficult as well
Ease of compliance has also been found to be important for the growth of organized sector
It is needed to amend the labour laws and make them flexible for the present circumstances
It is also important to ensure that the compliance is made easy as this will encourage the development of manufacturing industry particularly MSME sector in the country
#1. Shram Suvidha Portal
Aim: To create a conducive environment for industrial development Features:
Unique labour identification number (LIN) will be allotted to Units to facilitate online registration
Filing of self-certified and simplified Single Online Return by the industry Mandatory uploading of inspection Reports within 72 hours by the Labour inspectors
Timely redressal of grievances will be ensured with the help of the portal
Advantage:
Ease in compliance of provisions related to labour
A step forward in promoting the ease of doing business
The complete database will add to the informed policy process
#2. Labour Inspection
Aim: To bring in transparency in labour inspection So far, the units for inspection were selected locally without any objective criteria Features:
Serious matters are to be covered under the mandatory inspection list
A computerized list of inspections will be generated randomly based on pre-determined objective criteria
Complaints based inspections will also be determined centrally after examination based on data and evidence
There will be provision of Emergency List for inspection of serious cases in specific circumstances
Advantage: A transparent Inspection Scheme will provide a check on the arbitrariness in compliance mechanism
#3. Universal Account Number (UAN)
Under the scheme, complete information for approximately 4 crore subscribers of EPF has been centrally compiled and digitized & a UAN has been allotted to all
The UAN is being seeded with Bank account and Aadhar Card and other KYC details for financial inclusion of vulnerable section of society
Camps are being organized to facilitate opening of bank account and Aadhar card for those subscribers who have no bank account or Aadhar card
Advantage: This will ensure portability of the Social Security Benefits to the labour of organised sector across the jobs and geographic areas
#4. Recognition of Brand Ambassadors of ITIs
Need:
The Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in the country are the backbone of the vocational training system, only source of supply of skilled manpower to manufacturing industry
There are 11,500 ITIs having about 16 lakh seats. But this is grossly inadequate for supplying skilled manpower to Indian industry
Only 10% of the workforce has got formal or informal technical training. Only one fourth of this is formally trained
Whereas in South Korea, Japan, Germany, the percentage of workforce having received skills training is 96, 80 and 75 respectively
Therefore we need to rapidly expand certificate level vocational training if we have to succeed in our mission of ‘Make in India’
Also, blue collar work is not respected and regarded in the society
Features:
Over 60 years of existence ITIs have given excellent technician, mechanics, entrepreneurs and professional leaders & manufacturing sector is reservoir of this success
They have brought name and fame in the country and abroad It is proposed to compile these success stories and publish in print and electronic form
These success stories shall be used for motivating youngsters and their parents
Such successful ITI graduates will be showcased as National Brand Ambassadors of Vocational Training
Advantages:
It will serve as communicator and catalyst, taking the message of ITI vocational training to every section of society
Improve the brand image as well as social acceptance of the vocational training
#5. All India Skill Competition
Aim: To foster the healthy spirit of competitiveness among the trainee Craftsmen/ Apprentices Competitions:
All India Skill Competition for Craftsmen among trainees admitted under Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS)
All India Competition for Apprentices among trainees admitted under Apprenticeship Training Scheme (ATS)
#6. Apprenticeship Protsahan Yojna
The Apprentices Act 1961 was enacted for regulating the Apprenticeship Training Scheme in the industry for imparting on-the-job training to apprentices Need:
Presently, there are only 2.82 lakh apprentices undergoing training against 4.9 lakh seats
Present framework tightly regulates the number of apprentices trade-wise, and is not attractive to youth because of low rate of stipend
Also, the industry is averse to participate because the scheme is not viable for the small industries
There are a large number of establishments including MSMEs where training facilities are available but could not be utilized so far
Aim: To revamp the apprenticeship Scheme in India with the vision of increasing apprenticeship seats to more than 20 lakhs in next few years Components:
Making the legal framework friendly to both, industry and youth
Enhancing the rate of stipend and indexing it to minimum wages of semi-skilled workers
Support manufacturing units mainly and other establishments by reimbursing 50% of the stipend paid to apprentices during first two years of their training
Basic training component (mainly class room training part) of the curricula is being restructured on scientific principles to make it more effective, and MSMEs will be supported financially by govt
Advantage:
Apprenticeship Scheme has huge potential for training the large number of young person’s to make them employable
Similar schemes have been highly successful in countries like Germany, China and Japan where the number of apprentices are stated to be 30, 20 & 10 million respectively
If properly revamped, it could also significantly contribute to ‘Make in India’ Mission
Let’s end this article with a nice summary from The Hindu
SourceThehindu
Follow this story for updates on labour reforms- Labour reforms in India Suggested readings:
